Monument record 10392 - Demolition Layer and Stone Robbing of Former Franciscan Friary

During a 2002 evaluation at the site of the former Linen Hall and Franciscan Friary, a distinct horizon thought to represent the demolition of the friary church building was identified and recorded (1). Seen in Trenches 5, 6 and 7 along the southern end of the evaluation area, the deposit was a thick layer of demolition material that contained fragments of medieval floor tile, glazed roof tile, and sandstone architectural fragments (1).

Subsequent stone robbing trenches were also identified (1). As it is known that the site and buildings of the friary continued to be used after the Dissolution, but were ultimately demolished by 1775 (2), it is not entirely clear when the church in particular was destroyed.

<1> Gifford and Partners, 2002, Report on an Archaeological Evaluation at Linenhall Stables, Stanley Street, Chester., R2408 (Client Report). SCH4237.

<2> Bennett. J.H.E., 1921, The Grey Friars of Chester, Bennett J H E 1921 24/5-80 (Article in Journal). SCH5681.